Narcissim: Am I a Narcissist?

A recent press release by the American Psychological Association (APA) discusses an article published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Narcissism and the Use of Personal Pronouns Revisited.

Common belief is that words such as “I” and “me” being overused is evidence of  narcissism. however, empirical research for this belief is at best sparse and at least inconsistent.

Generally narcissists are described his people  who have an unrealistically positive sense of their own goodness, superiority, and self-importance. Most people who are narcissists are not reading this article wondering if you may relate to them, as the nature of narcissists predispose them to be certain there is nothing wrong with anything related to them.

This most recent study found no association between pronoun use and narcissism. There are some limitations in the study given the relatively small sample size from the United States and Germany. Other limitations include the assessment tool used to detect narcissism. These limitations aside, it is probably safe to say that the use of personal pronouns does not mean someone is narcissistic.

Many times characteristics of narcissism stem from misguided attempts to protect ourselves from vulnerability that we may not be good enough in our own eyes or in the eyes of others. This set of defenses leaves the person certain that there are wonderful at times wondering why things are not more how they would like them in their lives. Frequently, it is in these situations folks may begin seeking treatment. In fact, there may be gradations of narcissism. those who are completely entrenched in their insistence that they are right frequently do not seek out counseling or therapy in less things are in particular crisis. It is also frequently the case once the acute crises resolved these individuals discontinue therapy and resume their certainty of their excellence. Sometimes living with her growing up with a narcissist results in individual realizing that the best way for them to be unscathed is to mirror the narcissistic values. When this happens these individuals may look like narcissists but they’re much more curious about themselves and their lives and tend to benefit significantly from individual therapy and counseling. Dr. Davenport does much work with these kinds of folks frequently looking at how they can live happier more fulfilling lives without having to rely exclusively on outdated and frequently misguided self protection techniques.

It is likely we all have aspects of narcissistic defense. Dr. Davenport recommends that we consider counseling or therapy if any of these characteristics interfere with someone’s life being how they would like it to be.

Love hormone used to treat alcohol dependence?

Oxytocin, a hormone that affects feelings of closeness and well-being and is associated with long-term mating behaviors, has been found to counter the effects of a beer buzz. This according to recent research from the University of Regensburg, in Germany and the University of Sydney, in Australia. The relationship between oxytocin and alcohol was explained Dr. Michael Bowen in a recent press release.

The findings indicate that alcohol remained in the rats system and that oxytocin prevented the intoxicating effects on the animal. Dr. Bowen explained that “in the rat equivalent of his sobriety test, the rats given alcohol and oxytocin passed with flying colors, while those given alcohol without oxytocin were seriously impaired.”

It is believed that the oxytocin being present in the system prevented GABA-a receptors in the rat brain from being activated. This suggests that the rat will have alcohol in its system but not exhibit any of the intoxicating effects frequently seen with GABA-a receptor activation. GABA is one of the most powerful inhibitory receptors in our mind and body is also associated with sleep function. GABA may also be responsible for the seizure activity associated with alcohol withdrawal.

Many people who use alcohol excessively, to the extent where it interferes with their happiness in functioning, depend on alcohol to manage thoughts and/or emotions that are unpleasant. Many times these techniques were learned early in life and are even adaptive reflexes to getting need attention from the environment.

Attachment theory looks at how our connection to early people we depended on, for caretaking, affects our emotional regulation (release of oxytocin). Many times people who struggle with alcohol dependence have had disruption in these important relationships or receiving the attention they needed. It is possible that oxytocin which is released during these powerful bonds early in life continues to play a role with alcoholics as adults. This is interesting new research that seems to follow our understanding of emotional regulation and attachment as they relate to alcohol abuse and probably most substances or relationships of abuse.

Dr. Charles R. Davenport helps people struggling with addiction better understand and find change in their lives. If you might want help with an addiction call the Sarasota or Venice offices of Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D., LLC. at 941-321-1971.

Here is another article on the press release.

Your psychological well-being may be reflected in your skin

Recent studies by the American psychological Association (APA) suggest a connection between common skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, itching, pain, and hives may be related to significant experience of stress, anxiety, and depression among other psychological concerns.

To some, this may be expected, to others they may be surprised to hear. has a licensed psychologist I many patient seem to have physical symptoms that are made worse or brought on psychological stress or conflict. Just as our emotions can be a source of critical data about things going on in our body, so can skin conditions according to these recent studies. Many times migraine headaches, increase in autoimmune dysfunction, and gastrointestinal disruption are also seen with increased emotional distress. Many times these physical manifestations suggest that the stress the person is experiencing his overwhelming their ability to let the stress out or cope. Finding new ways to work through overwhelming problems is something Dr. Davenport does with many patients at his practice Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D., LLC. with locations in Venice, FL and Sarasota, FL.

Mindfulness, antiaging, fountain of youth?

In recent years mindfulness has become a hot topic in popular culture. Meditation, the book- The Power of Now, Marcia Linehan’s dialectical behavioral therapy for borderline personality disorder, yoga, and even martial arts all have common threads of hope for increased health and aim to focus on the present moment and our experiences in it. This is described by some as mindfulness.

In addition, recent research in neuroscience suggests that focusing our senses in the present moment while using frontal lobe function ( executive planning, impulse control, “playing the tape through” to see if the outcome is something we would like ) places us in the best position to be resilient in life. These functions also mitigate the impact of dopamine which research also suggests contributes to impulsive, compulsive, or abusive behaviors ( eating disorders, gambling, substance use problems, addiction to gaming, ect). While some dopamine can be a positive thing, we have found that it’s sustained-release augments  frontal lobe slowdown which can manifest as impulsivity, and activities and thoughts frequently seen with addiction, anxiety, depression, and adhd. 

Dr. Davenport works at Charles R Davenport Psy.D. LLC with offices in Venice in Sarasota Florida providing counseling and therapy services for adults and children struggling the situations similar to the ones discussed here.

Check out this recent article on how meditation may protect the brain from aging.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/meditation-brain-aging_n_6629858.html

Treating and assessing learning disabled students

It is extremely important that therapists be aware of the biases affecting their thinking and judgment. In a clinical setting therapists frequently draw conclusions biased on heuristics derived from initial impressions of their clients. These impressions can range from assumptions of intellectual competence to social aptitude. However, these conclusions, frequently, do not accurately represent reality. If the clinician incorporates statistical reasoning with their impressions they are far more accurate in representing the clients actual traits.  Frequently, Learning Disabled (LD) clients are referred to therapists after having being labeled LD. In many of these cases the LD client is at a disadvantage being that the therapist may have preconceived notions as to the traits of LD individuals. Where in actuality these traits vary greatly from one LD individual to another.

Unfortunately, the initial conceptualization the therapist constructs is difficult to change in the face of opposing information or collected data. This may be a result of pride, the anchoring, or labeling phenomenon. If the therapist reads a new LD clients file without having prior knowledge regarding the variability within this diverse population they may form several false pretenses biased on stereotypical knowledge.

Another dynamic, which may distort the therapists’ interpretation of a LD client, is the influence of the confirmatory bias. The therapist who believes their LD client is intellectually deficient or less capable than other individuals may look for and be more open to observations that confirm these beliefs. Which, again, is a disservice to the client.

The therapist, being in a position of extreme power, has a responsibility to be aware of these elements of impression formation. They should also be in tune with their emotional responses to clients and assess the origin of these thoughts and emotions. It is helpful for therapists who are working with a new sector of the population to consult with an expert in the particular area in order to minimize inaccurate conceptualizations of their clients.

Therapists tend to overlook alternatives to their initial assessment of a client. In the case of the LD client, there are several characteristics which are shared with and frequently misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These behaviors are elevated distractibility and in some cases hyperactive behavior. Therapists should be mindful of possibly delaying and/or making less automatic judgments when assessing these clients regardless of past diagnoses. When suspecting an ADD or ADHD diagnosis it may be beneficial for the therapist to consider alternate diagnoses such as LD if evidence supports such a diagnosis.

Closely tied with delaying diagnosis and considering alternative diagnosis is the therapists’ ability accept the possibility of personal fallibility. Frequently, the therapist perceives himself or herself, and wants to be perceived as, an expert. Therefore, therapists tend to rule-out personal fallibility in all aspects of the therapeutic process. We know this is not an adaptive trait such therapists surely would not recommend this behavior to their clients. Yet, they are frequently unaware of this aspect which distorts their judgment.

In other words, the therapist should be aware of the origins of their thoughts, behaviors, and preconceived notions. They should be mindful of the unconscious heuristics and elements of ego support, acting on, and possibly distorting their judgment and assessment. This seems especially relevant when working with a population such as LD clients who have a host of social and clinical stereotypes. These stereotypes frequently depict their abilities and traits inaccurately and tend to conglomerate unique individuals inaccurately.

How Long Should Psychotherapy Last?

Ever wonder how long therapy takes?

This is a great question that comes up for many people as they learn more about therapy and counseling.

“How long will it last?” is one of the questions people most often ask when they are about to begin psychotherapy–especially if it’s their first time.

The answer I usually give is not one people feel comfortable with, because I answer with a question: “How long should yoga last?” “How long should you study piano?” “How long should you learn chess?”

The answer to that question will depend on the counselor and treatment approach used. A behavioral psychotherapist who emphasizes eliminating symptoms may answer that the therapy will be completed when the symptom is gone, which may be a matter of weeks or at most a year. A cognitive psychotherapist may reply, “The treatment will last long enough to replace your negative thinking with positive thinking.” Someone who specializes in short-term therapy may say, “We will set goals and the therapy will be over when we reach those goals, which will be no more than a month or two.”

Of all the modalities, psychoanalytic psychotherapy may last the longest. Sigmund Freud often compared psychoanalysis to an archeological dig. When do you stop digging? Indeed, the deeper you dig, the more you find. And when do you stop examining what you dig up? And when do you stop trying to put it all together?

In Freud’s day psychoanalysts saw their analysands (as they were called) six times a week. Psychoanalysis was an intense intellectual and emotional experience. It was, in fact, the most intense relationship in an analysand’s life. In the beginning, the pioneers of psychoanalysis thought a year of psychoanalysis was enough. Then they extended it to two years. Then they began to realize that psychoanalysis could be, in Freud’s words, “interminable.” Although many of Freud’s theories have been questioned, the talk therapy he began has continued up to the present in many forms.

Today, psychoanalytic psychotherapists know that a client’s particular issues will determine the length of the treatment. Since we generally only see patients once or twice a week, the treatment will take longer than it did in Freud’s day because it is not as intense. Sometimes it can take a year, sometimes it can take several years and sometimes it can be “interminable.”

The length of psychoanalytic psychotherapy has to do with the psychoanalytic approach. It is the opposite of a goal-oriented modality. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy uses free association as the cornerstone of the treatment. We ask clients to say whatever is on their mind on any particular day. This serves a number of purposes. First, it promotes spontaneity. Many people have become overly defensive and distrustful, due to experiences they encountered growing up, and for them spontaneity begins the growth process and builds trust between the psychotherapist and the client.

Free association also serves to get a client to a deeper level of thinking. A client may free associate about the artifacts she sees on my library shelf and then may remember an artifact on her father’s desk during her childhood, and this memory may lead to other memories which in turn may lead to long-buried emotions that underlie recurring conflicts in her life. If I were simply to instruct her to remember such things, she might feel put on the spot and unable to do so.

As this free association continues, week after week, it goes ever deeper into the areas of the mind that were formerly unconscious. It reaches into regions that the client has avoided. When it reaches that level, the client’s instinct is to pull away, and hence the treatment may become a grind. It is like any relationship; there is the honeymoon period, in which there is a new and exciting beginning of intimacy. And then the honeymoon is over and the client begins behaving in therapy the same way he behaves outside of therapy; he begins to have the same abandonment fears, the same trust issues, the same anger problems, the same mood swings, and the same obsessions that he has in his life in general.

Such issues do not just disappear overnight. You can remove a symptom, but that does not remove the underlying unconscious conflict that caused the symptom. The symptom will just come back in a different form. A person may come to grips with his drinking problem, but may then become continually irritable. A person may get control of his tendency to act out anger, but then will fall into a depression.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is not right for everybody. Indeed, research has shown that different people respond to different approaches. People who respond to psychoanalytic psychotherapy are people who want to understand themselves. How long will that take? You can stop an archeological dig at any time. Or you can keep digging and see what else turns up. It’s your choice.

Are you depressed? Depression may not be what we expect

As is the case with many things related to mental health, depression may be misunderstood in popular culture and by many people. You might be surprised to learn that most people have symptoms of depression over the course of their life and depression can even be adaptive. When things are not going as we would hope in our lives we can wind up feeling depressed which results in a narrowing of our focus and potentially an opportunity to reassess our lives. The article linked below discusses aspects of depression that are more subtle and not as well-known. 

Dr. Charles R. Davenport works with patients on understanding how to use depression to help us get out of depression. One of the hard things about depression is it leaves us frequently feeling hopeless or, in the early stages can have us denying anything is occurring which makes it hard for us to tackle the problems head-on. Please contact Charles R Davenport Psy.D. LLC. to see Dr. Davenport in either his Sarasota or Venice Florida locations.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2015/02/17/the-subtle-symptoms-of-depression/

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D., LLC. Licensed Psychologist- Dr. Charles R. Davenport